Here’s a glance at Milwaukee’s Top 25 Restaurants selected by Rachel Bernhard
For the first time in five years, the Journal Sentinel presents Milwaukee’s Top 25 Restaurants, this year from new dining critic Rachel Bernhard.
A meal with mom on her day makes for delicious memories that fill the heart. Area restaurants are ready to help you honor your mother with special brunch and dinner menus for Mother’s Day, May 11 this year. Use this list to make your reservation and start planning your day to celebrate.
ARIA at Saint Kate
Mimosas and mimosa flights are featured at the Mother’s Day Bubbles & Brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special entrees include PB&J French toast, made with brioche, creamy peanut butter, strawberry compote and served with vanilla whipped cream and maple syrup; or steak and eggs, using prime flat iron steak, fried cage-free eggs, tri-color potatoes, chimichurri, and pepper jam. Reservations are required. ariaatsaintkate.com, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
The Bartolotta Restaurants
The restaurant group will offer both brunch and dinner buffets, and three-course brunch and dinner menus at select locations. A children’s menu is available at all locations. Guests may view full menus and make reservations online for all locations at bartolottas.com.
Bacchus will serve a three-course menu from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrees include crab Benedict, filet medallions, berry French toast, sauteed salmon, wagyu steak and eggs, and Duroc pork chop. Cost is $65 per person.
Lake Park Bistro will serve a three-course menu from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with brunch options until 2 p.m. Special brunch entrees include quiche Lorraine, brioche French toast, an omelet with poached lobster, a buckwheat crepe, or eggs Benedict with Berkshire ham. Dinner entree specials include a choice of beef tenderloin medallion, mussels, or steak tartare. Prices start at $60 per person.
A three-course brunch menu will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mr. B’s Steakhouse in Brookfield and Mr. B’s Steakhouse in Mequon. Entrees at the Brookfield location include steak and eggs, a ham and cheese omelet, eggs Benedict, a quinoa bowl, brioche French toast, or filet mignon. The Mequon location will feature additional entrees such as a seafood and leek omelet, a Manhattan strip steak, roasted salmon, or chicken and waffles. Prices are based on the choice of entree.
Harbor House will serve a three-course menu from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with brunch options until 2 p.m. Entrees include breakfast items such as waffles, eggs Benedict, frittata, and lobster avocado toast; or seafood, lamb chops, filet mignon, prime rib roast, or surf and turf combinations. Prices are based on the choice of entree.
Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 will serve a three-course brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a four-course dinner menu from 3 to 7 p.m. Brunch entrees include penne pasta with sauteed shrimp, pan-roasted salmon, eggs Benedict, risotto with spinach, a seared filet of beef with scrambled eggs, pan-seared chicken breast, French toast, Italian frittata, and pasta with Bolognese meat sauce. The brunch menu is $65 per person and the dinner menu is $75 per person.
The Commodore will offer a brunch and dinner buffet from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Start your meal at the appetizers and grazing stations with pastries, yogurt parfaits, charcuterie, seafood and salads. Additional stations feature chef-made omelets; carved prime rib or pork loin; and breakfast selections of brioche French toast, eggs Benedict, quiche Lorraine and traditional breakfast sides. The dinner buffet is available in the afternoon hours and features mustard-glazed salmon, barbecue pork ribs, and vegetable sides. Desserts include cream puffs, macarons, tarts, cheesecakes, cookies and brownies. The buffet is $65 per adult and $30 per child.
The Grain Exchange will offer a brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Begin with a self-serve “mom-mosa” from the champagne fountain, appetizers such as pork pate and smoked trout, salads and fresh berries, and leave room on your plate for carved prime rib or barbecue, cedar plank salmon, chicken piccata, cheesy orecchiette pasta, a made-to-order omelet, and traditional breakfast sides. The dessert station features an assortment of cupcakes, cookies, tarts, and cheesecake. The buffet is $85 per adult and $28 per child.
Joey Gerard’s will offer a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes food stations with appetizers, desserts, chef-carved eye of ribeye, chef-made omelets, a hot food station with bourbon-glazed chicken, barbecue ribs, herb-mustard salmon, breakfast sausage, bacon, hash browns, and French toast sticks. The buffet is $70 for adults and $25 for children.
The Italian Community Center brunch buffet hours are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Food stations include a seafood tower; appetizers such as Wisconsin cheeses, charcuterie, fruit, and breakfast breads; chef-made omelets and breakfast meats; carved leg of lamb, roasted strip loin, and pork loin; chicken piccata, salisbury steak, Caesar salad, and Italian breads and breadsticks; and a dessert station with cannoli, petit fours, tarts, cookies and brownies. The buffet is $79 per adult and $22.95 per child.
Benson’s Restaurant Group
Special menu items, in addition to the regular menu, are offered at five downtown restaurants for Mother’s Day. The Bridgewater, 2011 S. 1st St., will serve a special mushroom asparagus quiche for brunch, a spring risotto with salmon for dinner and a lemon meringue tart for dessert. Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria, 249 N. Water St., will offer French onion shirred eggs for brunch and sweet heat chicken with lemon risotto for dinner. A special “Thanks Mom!” cocktail also will be available, made with tequila ocho plata, fresh lime, guava and prosecco. The Edison, 322 N. Broadway, will feature a French toast bread pudding, a salmon salad, and a crepe Lorraine. Onesto, 221 N. Broadway, will feature a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Specials at Smoke Shack, 332 N. Milwaukee St., include a salmon and goat cheese omelet. Visit bensonsrestaurantgroup.com/blog/mothers-day-dining.
The Capital Grille
A two-course prix fixe brunch menu is offered beginning at 10 a.m. Main entree selections include lobster frittata with butter poached lobster tails, truffle hollandaise, asparagus and white cheddar hash brown; an 8-ounce center-cut filet mignon with soft fried egg, truffle hollandaise, asparagus and white cheddar hash brown; and pan-seared salmon with citrus crab salad and red chili vinaigrette. The children’s brunch menu lists a choice of chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, miniature cheeseburgers, scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon, and French toast. The buffet is $55 for adults and $17 for children. For reservations and the full menu, visit TheCapitalGrille.com. 310 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Grand Geneva Resort
The resort is offering a brunch buffet with complimentary champagne and mimosas in the Geneva ChopHouse from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in the Grand Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buffet stations feature made-to-order omelets and waffles, traditional breakfast items, seafood, carved meats, soups, salads, fruits and sweets. Holiday specialties include prosciutto-wrapped stuffed chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, braised short rib, and a garden vegetables pasta primavera. The buffet is $90 for adults, $40 for children ages 6 to 12, and $15 for children ages 2 to 5. Reservations at grandgeneva.com/mothers-day-brunch. 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva
Kohler
The resort offers a full weekend of activities on the property, 444 Highland Drive, Kohler, with brunch buffets and menu specials on May 11 at multiple venues. View the full menus and make your reservations at kohlerwisconsin.com.
The Great Lakes Ballroom at The American Club will host a champagne brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food stations feature desserts, cold and hot dishes, including marinated flank steak, herb-roasted chicken, poached salmon, smoked trout, oyster on the half shell, and shrimp cocktail crab claw. The buffet is $111.25 per adult and $48.75 per child (ages 5-12).
Brunch in the Wisconsin Room of The American Club features a hot buffet, cold foods, dessert displays, and chef-manned stations with creme brulee French toast, eggs, omelets, and carved smoked turkey breast and prime rib. A bloody mary station ($20) offers house-infused vodka, other spirits, tomato juices, and beers for chasers. The buffet is $95 per adult and $35 per child (ages 5-12).
The Taverne on Woodlake will offer a la carte menu specials, including rosemary-honey pound cake served with brie and strawberries ($14); an eggs Benedict with pulled pork ($16); the sidewinder poutine, made with cheese curd gravy and topped with an egg ($15); and the Taverne breakfast of eggs, bacon or sausage, and toast ($14).
Brunch at Blackwolf Run is served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buffet entrees include red wine-braised chicken, grilled citrus salmon, pepper steak saute, and avocado toast. The cost is $85 per adult and $35 per child (ages 5-12).
Lake Lawn Resort
1878 on the Lake offers a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The buffet menu features field greens, garden vegetables, fruit, pasta, a grapefruit burrata salad, bakery, charcuterie, yogurt, seafood, made-to-order omelets, carved prime rib, and pork loin. Featured entrees include glazed salmon, beef short ribs, roasted lemon chicken breast, and traditional breakfast items. The children’s buffet offers chicken tenders, penne and meatballs, waffle fries, and chocolate chip pancakes. Desserts include cream puffs, eclairs, petit fours, pies, tortes, and cheesecake. The buffet costs $68 for adults, $28 for children ages 8 to 12 and $15 for children ages 4 to 7. Reservations at lakelawnresort.com/events. 2400 Geneva St., Delavan
Lupi & Iris
The downtown restaurant is offering a three-course prix fixe brunch menu starting at 9:30 a.m., and a three-course prix fixe dinner menu beginning at 4 p.m. Entrees include quiche Lorraine; frittata di asparagi, an Italian baked omelet with asparagus; pain perdu, a French toast made with country French bread and served with fresh berries and mascarpone cream; cavetalli con ragu, small pasta shells tossed in a ragu of pork and tomato, with garlic and chili flake, chopped broccolini and pecorino; and additional wood-grilled meat and seafood specialties. Brunch pricing starts at $65 per person, and dinner pricing starts at $85 per person. Reservations at lupiandiris.com/special-events. 777 N. Van Buren St.
Maggiano’s Little Italy
The restaurant features family-style a la carte dining from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Start with appetizers of Caesar salad or wagyu beef meatballs, followed by a choice of entrees such as beef stuffed shells, lobster carbonara, chicken parmesan, and beef tenderloin medallions. Dessert options include New York-style cheesecake, tiramisu, and Vera’s lemon cookies. For reservations, call (414) 978-1000. 2500 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa
Mason Street Grill
The brunch menu is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring traditional breakfast dishes, salads, soup, bakery items and seafood starters. Entrees include Scottish salmon piccata ($38), a truffle potato gnocchi ($28), prime rib ($70), lobster tails ($40), carved ham ($34), and a brunch burger of Black Angus beef ($20). Dessert options are panna cotta with passionfruit, key lime pie, and carrot or chocolate cake. For reservations, call (414) 298-3131 or visit masonstreetgrill.com. 425 E. Mason St.
Milwaukee ChopHouse
The downtown restaurant is open for dining from 4 to 9 p.m. The special menu features a 7-ounce petit filet, served with porcini demi-glace, white cheddar-truffle potato pave, braised Swiss chard, grilled langostino, and a queen cut prime rib with creamy horseradish and au jus. Additional signature steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal dishes are available. For reservations, call (414) 226-2467. 633 N. 5th St.
Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant
A full menu of European specialties is available from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chef specials include a Serbian sampler dish of chicken paprikash, raznijici (char-grilled pork tenderloins shish kebabs) and musaka; a Dobos torte, made with seven layers of light sponge cake and chocolate; and the krempita, a vanilla pastry custard layered between butter flaky phyllo dough, and served with fresh berries scented with Serbian brandy and lemon honey. Gibanica, a special Serbian dish made with a phyllo dough dipped in a custard, layered and stuffed with savory cheese and baked to a golden brown is available by pre-order only when making your reservation. Call (414) 672-0206. 522 W. Lincoln Ave.
The Pfister Hotel
A Mother’s Day brunch buffet is held in the Grand Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Displays of seafood, artisanal breads, cheeses and Wisconsin meats complement menu starters of fresh fruit, pasta, vegetable salads, deviled eggs, and grilled vegetables. Brunch entrees include eggs Benedict, baked halibut, chicken marsala, and maple-glazed pork tenderloin. Action stations feature made-to-order omelets, French toast, pan-seared scallops, carved prime rib, and Virginia ham. Dessert displays of chocolate, platter desserts, and small-plate items include sweets such as chocolate flourless cake, salted caramel cheesecake, tarts, creme brulee, coffee mousse, cannoli, and macarons. The buffet costs $99 per adult and $35 per child (ages 3 to 10). Visit thepfisterhotel.com/happenings. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Pilot Project Milwaukee
Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with breakfast and lunch dishes on the menu, including eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, a breakfast burger, wild mushroom hash, masa Johnny cakes, falafel flatbread, and a smash burger. Drink options include a bottomless mimosa, a bloody mary bar and cocktail specials. Call (414) 395-1070. 1128 N. 9th St.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel
The Canal Street Cafe offers an all-you-can-eat Mother’s Day brunch buffet from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a complimentary mimosa included. The menu includes quiche, pastries, carved prime rib, apricot-glazed ham, roasted salmon, breakfast dishes, salads and sides. The cost is $32 for adults and $15 for children (ages 12 and under). Reservations are recommended. Call (414) 847-8510.
Dream Dance Steakhouse will feature dinner for two, including a bottle of either Cakebread chardonnay or Caymus California cabernet sauvignon, and a sweet chocolate. Dinner starts with two Caesar salads, followed by the main course of a 24-ounce New York strip and twin lobster tails, served with whipped butter mashed potatoes and charred asparagus. Dessert is a slice of chocolate cake. The cost is $120. For reservations, call (414) 847-7883. 1721 W. Canal St.
SALA
The east side Sicilian restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a special dining menu. Dishes include burrata with roasted vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze; gamberi penne with shrimp, artichoke, a pine nut pesto cream sauce and crispy prosciutto; seared scallop with saffron asiago risotto and a balsamic glaze; braised beef ravioli en brodo with carrot and onion; rack of lamb with chimichurri and smashed red potatoes; and halibut with saffron asiago risotto and lemon beurre blanc. The dessert menu features ricotta and pistachio cake, and a chocolate hazelnut temptation cake. Call for reservations: (414) 964-2611. 2613 E. Hampshire St.
Tess
Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The a la carte menu includes cocktails, appetizers and salads, with entrees such as a breakfast burrito ($16) made with chorizo and sharp cheddar; pulled pork sopes ($16) made with shredded, slow-roasted pork shoulder, a thick corn masa tortilla and red rice; or shrimp and grits ($17) with wild gulf shrimp, sharp cheddar grits and smoked bacon. A kids menu and traditional breakfast sides also are available. Call (414) 964-8377. 2499 N. Bartlett Ave.
Tre Rivali
The restaurant inside the Kimpton Jouneyman Hotel is offering a special brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The carving station features a roasted New York strip with rosemary-garlic jus and horseradish cream, and a whole roasted branzino (sea bass) with olive and artichoke stuffing. Additional food stations include lavash or pita with hummus, olives and pickled vegetables; salads; shrimp cocktail; hot smoked salmon; sweet potato toast; herb-roasted game hens; roasted vegetables; bacon; chicken sausage; and lemon ricotta pancakes. Complete the meal with a selection of decorated sugar cookies, lavender shortbread, dark chocolate biscotti, chocolate and tahini brownies, or an olive oil and pistachio cake. The buffet costs $69 per adult and $25 per child (under age 12). Reservations at (414) 291-3971. 200 N. Broadway.
Twisted Fisherman
A brunch buffet is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu features food stations with seafood such as Prince Edward Island mussels, shrimp and tilapia; a carving station with roasted turkey and pork loin; a breakfast station with French toast bake, fruits, cheeses, pasta, vegetables, red potatoes, and spring mix salad with dressings. Additional brunch items include made-to-order omelets, cakes and pastries. The buffet is $41.95 per adult and $16.95 per child (ages 12 and under). For reservations, call (414) 273-8300. 1200 W. Canal St.
This story was updated to add new information.